The truth

 Truth...or a beautiful lie?

"It sounded like a simple question...

but it wasn't," she said.

"Tell me," he said softly.

"if you had to choose...between lying to me

and not breaking my heart, or telling the truth

and breaking it...what would you choose?"

He went quiet for a moment.

Not avoiding...just thinking.

Then he looked at her.

"I'd choose the truth...

even if it breaks your heart."

Her eyes shifted: "Why?"

He took a breath.

"Because I never want to build something

with you on something that isn't real."

A pause. "I don't want you to stay because

I protected your feelings with a lie...

I want you to stay because your heart

truly chooses me."

Silence filled the space between them --

not empty...but honest.

"Even if it hurts," he added softly.

I'd rather lose you with the truth...

than keep you with a lie..."